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Mike LeDonne: The Heavy Hitters
ByIn deciding who best to share Van Gelder's hallowed space with, LeDonne and Alexander brought in the big gunsnamely trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, and the elasticity of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washingtonnot to blur any margins, mash any mixtapes, smash genres or break new ground. Nope, these guys are here for one reason onlyto bring the jams and the grooves, and bring them with as much punch as possible.
Mission accomplished.
LeDonne's rousing tribute to Freddie Hubbard, "Hub," launches The Heavy Hitters just as one would expect a session of this kind to do; everyone is on their A game from the start, baring all their cards and not holding back. That take-no-prisoners attitude carries into hot boilers such as Alexander's funkified, rafter-shaking "Chainsaw," where tandem rhythm brothers take hold of the track, the front line flies free, and guest guitarist Rale Micic sails above it all. "Cedar Land" the pianist's crisply loyal nod to Cedar Walton (who else?) crackles with a 21st century post- bop (and a highlight Pelt solo) that is hard to beat.
Based on a chord progression dictated to him by fellow saxophonist George Coleman, Alexander's big harmonics are perfect for the kick meter, sizzle swing of "This Is Something New." Herring and the front line sparkle on LeDonne's crowd pleasing "Silverdust." Led by Herring's own ruminative turn on alto saxophone, the plush reminiscence of "Big Richard" serves as a beatific tribute to his late father. The Heavy Hitters are.
Track Listing
Hub; New Day; Silverdust; Una Dia es un Dia; Big Richard; Chainsaw; This Is Something New; Cedar Land; Bluesit.
Personnel
Eric Alexander
saxophone, tenorMike LeDonne
organ, Hammond B3Jeremy Pelt
trumpetVincent Herring
saxophonePeter Washington
bassKenny Washington
drumsRale Micic
guitarAlbum information
Title: The Heavy Hitters | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Cellar Records
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About Mike LeDonne
Instrument: Organ, Hammond B3
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